First Contact

The Times: "Of all the unspeakable tests of endurance, this has got to be one of the worst. Two ex-army officers climb the south face of Mt Mandala in New Guinea. It takes them seventy days just to get there. First they travel upstream in a dug out canoe and then they hack through the jungle carrying 90lb rucksacks. Their feet rot, their cuts become infected and don't heal and despite feasting on the feet and claws of rodents, they become emaciated. Time and again, they are nearly swept away by rivers, they get on each others nerves and the cannibals tell them: 'Make sure you are gone by the morning or you will be dead.' That's even before they start climbing the sheer face of the mountain - without ropes of course." Endeavour: "A very well written book about an amazing adventure!" Adventure Magazine "A great read, fascinating viewing and superb value"